Since the discovery of the Shape Memory Alloy (SMA), various products have been introduced utilizing the alloy. However up until now, the variety of products using SMA is limited and penetration into the mass market is minute. Some products have commercially failed. On the macro level, the history of the SMA is relatively short. We believe the future of the SMA products is very promising if some solutions are found to some of the complications, such as improving the operational characteristics in high temperature, the issue of nickel content in the medical field, processability of the Ti-Ni alloy, and creating good production methods for complicated shapes. Looking back from here on the history of the introduction of SMA products into the market, we understand the fundamentals of the production process. Using this as a foundation, innovative thinking should open the door for innumerable production methods, and more excellent products will be invented.

View full abstract

This report is outline of the Work Shop, "Wetting Phenomena and Heat Transfer Characteristics on High Wall Superheated Surface". The paper summarizes the Review of Minimum-Heat-Flux (MHF) point, the previous work shop at Kumamoto in 2006 and the present work shop.

View full abstract

It is empirically known that high temperature hear release (HTHR) combustion is characterized by the heating value of low temperature heat release (LTHR) and much study of LTHR reactions has been done, but the direct effects of fuel chemicals on HTHR were not enough investigated. Nippon Oil and Nissan have researched the hydrocarbon breakdown process since 2002 and found some interesting test results. In this paper the possibility of the improvement of HCCI engine performance was discussed.

View full abstract